AL West: Astros’ new division sees power shift west

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Astros fans and players will get used to seeing Mike Trout after the team's first season in the American League West division. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles Angels

2012: 89-73, third in AL West.

Manager: Mike Scioscia, 14th season (1,155-951).

Players to know: Outfielder Mike Trout had a sensational rookie season, cruising to the 2012 AL Rookie of the Year award while finishing second in the AL MVP race after hitting .326 with 30 home runs, eight triples, 27 doubles and 49 stolen bases. The Angels also secured the services of OF Josh Hamilton with a five-year, $125 million contract. The former AL MVP and five-time All-Star hit 43 home runs and drove in 128 runs for the Rangers last season. Hamilton might have shifted the balance of power in the division away from North Texas and to Southern California. Former Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols needs no introduction to Astros fans, who must once again face the three-time NL MVP. Pujols remains one of the most dangerous bats in baseball, and he should remain dangerous as long as his surgically repaired right knee holds up. RHP Jared Weaver, who won 20 games in 2012, is set to make his fourth opening-day start for the Angels, followed by one of last year’s free-agent addition, LHP C.J. Wilson.

What to expect: With one of the best lineups in baseball, the Angels appear primed to win the AL West and perhaps reach the World Series for the first time since they won it all in 2002.

History: 3-3 vs. Astros

Payroll: $128 million

Texas Rangers

2012: 93-69, second in AL West and wild card.

Manager: Ron Washington, seventh season (520-452).

Players to know: The Rangers are pinning much of their hopes on former Astros slugger Lance Berkman being able to make up some of the runs that were lost when former AL MVP Josh Hamilton bolted this winter. Berkman, one of the top hitters in Astros history, will serve as Rangers designated hitter. He’s expected to be the No. 3 hitter. OF Nelson Cruz has been one of the most consistent sluggers over the past four years. 3B Adrian Beltre , a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner, has emerged as a team leader. In the absence of Hamilton, 2B Ian Kinsler must step up offensively. The Rangers hope Yu Darvish emerges as the staff ace. LHP Matt Harrison, who has won a combined 32 games in the last two years, will start opening day and the home opener for the Rangers. He’s the foundation of the rotation and went 18-11 with a 3.29 ERA last season.

What to expect: The Rangers limped to the finish line in 2012, losing their grip on the AL West to the A’s before they were bounced in the wild-card round. Things got worse in the offseason when Hamilton left for the Angels. The Rangers will find it difficult to overtake the Angels in the AL West race. It’s not unreasonable to expect the Rangers to earn a wild card.

History: 42-30 vs. Astros

Payroll: $114 million

Oakland Athletics

2012: 94-68, first in AL West.

Manager: Bob Melvin, third season (141-120).

Players to know: Shortstop Hiro Nakajima, who was signed out of the Japanese League after the 2012 season, is expected to start as a rookie if he’s healthy after straining his hamstring. If Nakajima falters in the starting lineup, former Astros starter Jed Lowrie is likely to get the first opportunity at short. The outfield is loaded with Cuban sensation Yeonis Cespedes , veteran star Coco Crisp, Josh Reddick and Chris Young. In any other season, Cespedes might have earned the Rookie of the Year honor after hitting 23 home runs with 82 RBIs. He was overshadowed by the Angels’ Mike Trout, but Cespedes is special. Young, a native of Houston, spent spring training learning the corner outfield spots after devoting his career to center field with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s expected to serve as somewhat of a super-utility outfielder in the same manner Lowrie will be a super-utility infielder. Infielder Nate Freiman, who was a Rule 5 pick by the Astros, was claimed by the A’s late in spring training.

What to expect: Most so-called experts picked the A’s to finish last in 2012, but those picks proved silly after the A’s won the division. The A’s always find a way to play above their payroll, but they might have to settle for second or third place in the division.

History: 5-1 vs. Astros.

Payroll: $64 million

Seattle Mariners

2012: 75-87, fourth place in AL West.

Manager: Eric Wedge, third year (142-182).

Players to know: Felix Hernandez goes by the nickname King Felix for a reason. He’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. Hernandez received a seven-year, $175 million contract in February. He was 13-9 with a 3.06 ERA last year, but his won-loss record is more of a reflection of the Mariners’ weak cast around him. Hernandez, 26, is 98-76 with a 3.22 career ERA in eight seasons since he debuted as a 19-year-old. Former Angels 1B Kendrys Morales has found a nice home in Seattle’s lineup. The Mariners hope he can keep up the hot bat he displayed this spring in Arizona. Hard-throwing RHP Taijuan Walker, the Mariners’ top prospect and the fifth overall prospect according to MLB.com, is only 20 years old. He’s perhaps a year away from joining the rotation. Astros fans should get to know him because he’ll be up in the majors soon.

What to expect: The Mariners have been one of the worst teams in baseball for several years. It’s difficult to imagine they’re ready to compete with the Angels, Rangers and A’s for the top three spots in the AL West, but they appear to be better than the Astros. Third place would be a tremendous feat for the Mariners, but fourth place is more realistic.